johns



UNITE STATES PATENT OFFICE.

XV. B. JOHNS, OF UNITED STATES ARMY.

KNAPSACK.

Specification of Letters Patent No. 28,582, dated Apr1 12, 1859.

T o all whom it 'may concern:

Be it known that I, W. B. JOHNS, of the U. S. Army, have invented a new and useful Improvemel'it in Knapsacks; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the annexed drawing, forming part of this specification, in the several iigures of which similar Characters of reference denote the same part.

Figure l is a View of the knapsack spread out. Fig. 2 is a View showing four knapsaoks Converted into a shelter. Fig. 3 is a 1View showing knapsaek folded and manner of carrying same.

The nature of my invention consists in providing a knapsaek which is adapted to use as a shelter for the soldier.

The knapsaok consists of a sheet of water proof material A with straps t and and having a double row of button holes c, on its edges. r[his enables four or more of the knapsaeks by being connected as shown in Fig. Q to form a shelter. The precise manner of connecting the sheets is shown in the drawing; any other that will serve the purpose being suitable.

In carrying the knapsaek, the kit is inclosed in the sheet A which is rolled up as shown in Fig, 3, and the blanket B secured upon it as seen in the same figure. The knapsaok is slung to a yoke piece C at its middle. At the ends of the yoke are straps j y" and g g. The former buckle over the breast of the wearer and the hooks at the ends of the latter catch the buckles i.

This improvement is designed principally for scouting parties, where shelter is impracticable.

I do not claim the mere connecting of sheets together; nor, of themselves the devices used, but I Claim as new- The construction of knapsaoks so as to be entirely separated from their slings, and with the means of uniting several together and stretching them as described; so that the knapsack will perform the double function of sheltering the soldier and holding his kit; substantially as specified.

In testimony whereotV I have hereunto signed my name before two subscribing witnesses.

WM. B. JOHNS. lVitnesses GEO. PATTEN, Jol-1N S. HoLLINGsHnAD. 

